[Object] To provide a high-place observation device for stably performing a fixed-point observation of a target object from a high place. [Solution] Provides a long pole 30 which is formed to extend and contract freely and which stands on the installation surface E, a rotorcraft 40 for positioning the pole 30 to a desirable height position by extending and contracting the pole 30 by a floating force in a connected state, a winding mechanism 22 which fixes and maintains the height position of the pole 30 to the height position set by the rotorcraft 40, and a camera 50 attached to the rotorcraft 40.

A holding pattern determination system and method assists a pilot with visualizing, entering, and flying a holding pattern. An exact solution to the holding pattern problem simplifies the entry to and flight of a holding pattern with minimal circuits, regardless of the wind direction and speed. Utilizing a windspeed ratio and relative wind direction, at least an inbound wind correction angle, an outbound heading, and an outbound time that begins at the outbound heading independent from an abeam point is provided. An entry pattern graphic and a holding pattern graphic may be provided with turn by turn heading and timing instruction to ensure precise entry and holding pattern flight.

A flight vehicle includes a drone with a pair of shaped protrusions mechanically coupled to the drone. One of the shapes is a hollow lift-producing shape, such as being a balloon filed with a lighter-than-air gas, and the other of the shapes is below the drone. The shape below the drone may be a hollow shape that does not produce lift, for example being a balloon filled with air. The shapes may be similar in size and shape, so as to provide similar drag characteristics. The shapes may be opposite ends of a support, such as a stick, rod, or other (relatively) slender structure. The vehicle includes a payload, such as radar calibration equipment or an antenna. The drone may be used to counteract wind forces on the flight vehicle, and/or to otherwise position the flight vehicle.